New York State Assemblyman Stephen B. Kaufman to Attend Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at the Newly Renovated Baychester Branch Library, on September 16 

First Substantial Renovation Since 1970s has Modernized Interior and Provided 22 New Computers for Public Use

New York, NY, September 12, 2003 -- On Tuesday, September 16, at 3 p.m., The New York Public Library will host a community celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $370,000 renovation at the Baychester Branch Library in Co-op City in the Bronx. New York State Assemblyman Stephen B. Kaufman will join Dr. Paul LeClerc, President of The New York Public Library; Mary K. Conwell, Director of The Branch Libraries; and members of the Baychester Library Association, to officially open the new library. The Baychester Library, which has provided library services to Co-op City and the surrounding community since it opened in 1973, is located at 2049 Asch Loop North at Bartow Avenue in the Bronx.

"I would like to thank Assemblyman Kaufman for making this renovation possible, especially during these challenging economic times," said Dr. LeClerc. "His longstanding commitment to the Baychester Library, and other libraries in his district, will enable NYPL to continue to serve as an anchor and an invaluable resource for the people of the Bronx."

"I know that the residents of Co-op City have eagerly anticipated the reopening of the Baychester Library since the day it closed for construction in late January of 2003," said Assemblyman Kaufman. "With 22 new computers, furniture, and a reorganized interior, the renovated library has resumed its place as a treasured oasis in Co-op City. I am proud to have secured this funding during these tough fiscal times to bring 21st-century improvements to this cornerstone of the community. "

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Baychester Library Association for all of their efforts in providing the people of Co-op City with paperback books during the time the library was closed," said Ms. Conwell. "The Library Association Members were also instrumental in securing a piano for the renovated community room for upcoming concerts. I am delighted to welcome the community back into the library's magnificently renovated and reorganized permanent home."

The $370,000 Baychester Library renovation was made possible by Assemblyman  Kaufman, who was able to secure $250,000 in State funds through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. Additional State funds of $119,000 were provided by the New York State Education Department, through the Community Services Provider Assistance Program.

The spruce-up for the 10,000-square-foot, single-story Baychester Library has completely modernized and reorganized the interior. The refurbishment includes:

• reorganization of floor plans for a more efficient layout

• 22 public computers for adults, young adults, and children featuring custom computer tables

• installation of updated electrical and telecommunications wiring

• new circulation desk

• new shelving for CDs, DVDs, and videos

• new lighting, flooring, painting, and ceiling tiles

• new furniture in public and staff areas

• refurbished community room including new seating

The Baychester Regional Library offers separate adult, young adult, and children's collections, including books, periodicals, videos, DVDs, materials in languages other than English, and assistive technology for people with visual disabilities. The extensive reference collection includes periodicals, newspapers, and electronic services. The refurbished community room, which is used for library programs such as films, author readings, and music, seats 70. The branch's location, in the Bartow Shopping Center, makes the library a very popular resource for community residents and contributes to its being one of the busiest branches in the Bronx.

Designed by Jennifer Nobis Architects, the spruce-up was managed by The New York Public Library.

The Baychester Library will be open this fall during the following hours: Mondays and Fridays 1 to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays 1 to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Contact: Jennifer Bertrand, 212-704-8600